Knowledge of and readiness for medication therapy management among community pharmacists in Lebanon

Abstract

Background To follow international standards, the Lebanese Order of Pharmacists would like to start to implement the medication therapy management in community pharmacies. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate community pharmacists' knowledge of and readiness for medication therapy management. Setting Community pharmacists from all Lebanese regions. Method A cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted. Pharmacists at their workplace completed self-administered anonymous standardized questionnaires between June and December 2016, with no compensation in return. Statistical analysis was conducted using bi-variate and multi-variable methods. Main outcome measure The major dependent variable of interest was the willingness to engage in medication therapy management activities. Results While only 376 (46%) of the interviewed pharmacists declared to be familiar with this concept, the majority of interviewed pharmacists 646 (78.8%) agreed on the importance of patient-centered care. Although this service will not be remunerated at this stage, 529 (64.5%) were willing to attend advanced training sessions to become actively engaged in medication therapy management, particularly those who had adequate workflow, staff and time at their workplace (aOR = 1.51; p = 0.045) and those agreeing to review a patient's medication profile and provide interventions as part of their role (aOR = 6.10; p < 0.001). Conclusion Lebanese pharmacists have adequate knowledge and a positive attitude towards medication therapy management services implementation; however, barriers could arise such as inadequate time, workflow and physical space. Efforts should be exerted by the Lebanese Order of Pharmacist to extend the role of the pharmacist and its positive effect on patient outcome.

<p>Medication Therapy Management: Current Challenges</p>

“…Several studies highlighted the need for appropriate physical spaces for medication and disease state management services in community pharmacies. 28,29 Some pharmacies stopped providing medication management service due to the lack of private space. 27…”

Patients’ perceptions regarding pharmacists’ healthcare services: the case of Lebanon

“…This was actually highlighted in the present study, whereby most participants reported they did not find personnel working at dispensaries qualified to deal with their health. Trusting a pharmacist and recognising his or her indispensable role in the healthcare team is a basic requirement, especially considering that pharmacists may be the first healthcare professional to directly interact with the public in addition to being available for at least 8 h/day without prior appointment . Although most respondents (90%) reported that community pharmacists are important members in the healthcare system, and trusted their knowledge, 30% of participants still thought that a pharmacist only sells medication and has no other role.…”

Management of Minor Ailments by Community Pharmacists in Cebu, Philippines – An Exploratory Study

“…Insufficient clinical knowledge is one of the main barrier in providing appropriate interventions. 15,16 The provision of minor ailment services as well as other expanded pharmacist-roles (e.g., medication therapy management, immunization) in developed countries has been successful 17,18 yet these practices and the knowledge of Filipino pharmacists on these roles have not been investigated. The majority (77%) of Filipino pharmacists practicing in a community setting, 19 their experience and knowledge on the management of minor ailments remain undocumented.…”